Loftus welcomes improvements at Articlave and Castlerock Post Office branches

She said: “I am a strong advocate of the Post Office, particularly in rural areas where it is plays a vital role in providing services to the community it serves.

“In Articlave and Castlerock the Post Office is a lifeline for many people so I am delighted that there are ongoing discussions with the operators under the Investment and Transformation Programme to improve the service and extend the opening hours.

“Ensuring that the Post Office continues to exist is a two-way process which involves investment but it also calls for the continuing loyalty of local people and here I would urge people to ensure that where possible they support their local Post Office by purchasing the wide range of services it offers at very competitive prices.

“That range of services is not just about mail but withdrawals, deposits and payments as well as foreign currency, travel insurance and many other facilities which are increasingly important due to the wholesale closure of branches of banks.

“I have no doubt that when the changes are made over the next few months local people in Articlave and Castlerock will be delighted and will support the new look Post Offices which will be an integrated part of existing retail outlets.”